Alabama Republican roasted after soliticing $300 million online for state budget deficit

An Alabama lawmaker raised just $325 — and some pointed comments — after trying to “prove a point” against raising taxes through an online fundraiser, Al.com reported on Monday.

State Sen. Paul Sanford (R) asked residents to contribute $300 million via the donation site GoFundMe, saying that the state was “experiencing tight financial times.”

“Legislators are debating possible financial solutions but are finding that Raising Taxes are not wanted by the citizens of Alabama,” he wrote. “Rather than have the Government come after your hard earned money you can now send an amount that fits your budget, even request where your money be used.”

According to the site, just 19 people have donated as of Monday night. A screenshot can be seen below:

However, donors and non-donors alike ripped Sanford and the state legislature in comments on the page.

“Please use this money to teach your public high school students how to safely wear and operate condoms,” one woman wrote after donating $25.

According to WSFA-TV, Sanford starting the fundraiser in the wake of Gov. Robert Bentley’s (R) request for $302 million in additional tax revenue being rejected by legislators. Meanwhile, the Senate passed a new budget that will cut nearly $200 million from state agencies including Medicaid and mental health services.

One donor specifically mentioned the new budget as the reason she responded to Sanford’s unusual request.

I donated $5 to go to help the Elderly who will be hurt by the $150 Million medicaid cuts,” she wrote. “Vote out the Conservatives in Montgomery! Medicaid Cuts Kills.”

Several respondents complained that they have already “donated” to the state in the form of state taxes.

“The problem is the clowns in office blew and wasted what they took already and now want more,” one wrote. “People will only take so much of theft and misuse of funds by the government.”

For his part, Sanford said there was no need to raise property taxes — another potential solution offered by respondents — when the state Department of Revenue would “gladly accept” a check equal to the additional tax revenue.

“Please realize this was to prove a point that most people do not want to pay more taxes but are for taxes when the other guy is to be taxed,” he wrote. Sanford later told WSFA that one example was an additional tax on cigarette sales. He also said people were more likely to fund education-related issues as opposed to other services.

About the Author

Arturo R. García is the managing editor at Racialicious.com. He is based in San Diego, California and has written for both print and broadcast media, including contributions to GlobalComment.com, The Root and Comment Is Free. Follow him on Twitter at @ABoyNamedArt